mass extinction – Astronomy Now

Study shows nukes a viable last resort for asteroid defence

6 October 2021 Astronomy Now

Study indicates nuclear ‘disruption’ of a threatening asteroid could provide a viable last-minute defence if too late for more-effective deflection.

Nearby supernova blasts may be culprits in at least one mass extinction

24 August 2020 Astronomy Now

Nearby supernovae may be to blame for an extended depletion of Earth’s protective ozone layer at the end of the Devonian period, triggering a mass extinction

Link found between comet/asteroid showers and mass extinctions

21 October 2015 Astronomy Now

For more than 30 years, scientists have argued about a controversial hypothesis relating to periodic mass extinctions and impact craters on Earth caused by comet and asteroid showers. Now scientists conclude that these events show a cyclical pattern over the studied period, with both impacts and extinction events taking place every 26 million years.